David Dhawan hints at retirement with Varun Dhawan’s ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’: ‘After this, I’ll just be Varun’s father

David Dhawan hints Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai—starring son Varun, Pooja Hegde, Mrunal Thakur—may be his last film due to health woes. Praises Varun’s growth, pro set bond; calls him family man. Out June 12.

In an emotional revelation that has sent ripples through the film industry, veteran filmmaker David Dhawan has hinted that his upcoming directorial venture, ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’, may be his final contribution to Bollywood.While promoting the film alongside his son, Varun Dhawan, the “King of Comedy” shared that health challenges and a desire to step back are leading him toward retirement, stating that after this project, his favorite role will simply be being “Varun’s dad.”

David Dhawan on working with Varun Dhawan

Talking to ANI, Dhawan opened up about his dynamic with Varun on set, stressing their profound mutual respect. “A director always wants a good actor, that’s the first priority. He’s not just my son; he questions, he understands, and he has already done 13-14 films. We get along really well, and I said that as long as I am making it, it would be good to make one or two with my son,” Dhawan explained, highlighting their strong professional rapport.

David Dhawan keeps it professional with Varun Dhawan

Even with their family connection, Dhawan keeps things strictly professional during shoots. “When I’m behind the camera, he’s not my son, he is an actor. I just need the result,” he stated, noting how their rapport ensures seamless teamwork. He responded to Varun’s lighthearted gripes over the missing full script by saying, “In our time, films were made on trust. Even actors like Salman Khan or Govinda or Sanjay Dutt didn’t always hear full scripts. We narrated scenes, and that’s how films were made.”

David Dhawan hails Varun Dhawan’s growth

Praising Varun’s evolution as a performer, Dhawan lauded his emotional depth and standout role in ‘Border 2’, deeming him brilliant. He openly hinted that ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’ could be his swan song as a director. “I don’t think I should do more. This might be my last film… after this, I’ll just be Varun’s father,” Dhawan shared, hinting at health issues. The director also recalled a touching moment on set, describing Varun’s unwavering support amid his illness. “I was very unwell during the shooting of this film. Varun took great care of me, he had all doctors’ numbers, stayed in touch with them, and was always there. He’s a complete family man,” he added.

David Dhawan and Varun Dhawan in ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’

In ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’, Varun Dhawan teams up with Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur. It marks a reunion with his father David Dhawan. Ramesh Taurani’s production rolls into theaters June 12, building on early teaser hype.